BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul is no longer recused from Seneca Nation gaming compact negotiations.
Hochul previously recused herself because of her husband's ties to Delaware North. Her husband, William, ceased working at Delaware North on August 15.
But on Wednesday evening, her office released the following statement:
"On August 15, Governor Hochul's recusal memo was updated to reflect that she does not have a direct or indirect financial interest that could lead to a conflict of interest. The governor is no longer recused from negotiations with the Seneca Nation.
"Administration staff is working with the Seneca Nation of Indians to make sure we have an agreement that is fair, serves the interests of all parties, and addresses the needs of key stakeholders and we look forward to continuing to work toward an agreement."
Sources tell 2 On Your Side that while the Governor is nor longer recused from the negotiations, she has yet to meet with Seneca Nation leadership.
Back in June, the state and Seneca Nation announced that a preliminary compact agreement had been reached. One of the provisions of the agreement, according to sources, was a Seneca Nation-owned casino in Monroe County. That casino had been planned for the city of Rochester according to lawmakers representing the area.
However, the Rochester delegation of the assembly was left in the dark by Governor Hochul's negotiating team, citing a non-disclosure agreement. Ultimately, pushback by lawmakers killed the tentative agreement between the Seneca's and state.
Now the state and Seneca Nation are working out the details of the compact, and what percentage of certain revenues the state would receive.
But a lot has changed since the initial compact was signed in 2002. For one, New York State has several state-owned casino's that are close to Seneca Casinos. Additionally, there are more state-owned slot operations.
In early August the Seneca Nation released a video stating that the two sides were very far apart in terms of coming to an agreement.
The current gaming compact expires on Dec. 9.
RELATED VIDEO: